Highly Recommended Irvine, CA Premarital Counselor Dr. Adrianna Holness
You love your partner and you're excited about marriage, but you also want to make sure you're building something that lasts. Maybe you've noticed patterns from past relationships creeping in, or you're wondering how to navigate difficult conversations before they become bigger issues.
As a therapist in Irvine, CA, I help couples like you build the foundation for a joyful, supportive partnership. Through premarital counseling, you’ll learn the tools to start your marriage with clarity, connection, and confidence, not just hope that things will work out. Connect with me when you’re ready to begin.
Meet your premarital therapist
Dr. Adrianna Holness
I help couples build strong foundations for marriage by exploring how you show up for each other, what you need to feel safe and connected, and how to navigate challenges with compassion instead of criticism. My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in attachment theory—because the strongest marriages are built on emotional safety and authentic connection.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Focus areas: Attachment patterns in relationships, anxiety and perfectionism, communication and boundary-setting, cultural and generational trauma
Location: 19712 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 110, Irvine, CA 92612
Virtual therapy?: Yes, in addition to in-person
What sets my practice apart from other Irvine premarital counseling providers
I bring a relational, attachment-focused approach to premarital counseling that goes deeper than generic checklists and surface-level communication exercises. Here's what makes working with me different:
Attachment-based framework: We explore how your early relationships shape the way you connect, communicate, and handle conflict with your partner.
Personalized and holistic: I tailor our work to your unique relationship, identities, and goals—no one-size-fits-all approach.
Culturally centered care: As a biracial therapist, I'm deeply attuned to how culture, identity, and family dynamics influence relationships.
Trauma-informed: I help you understand how past experiences impact your relationship patterns and create safety for healing.
Smaller caseload, deeper care: My boutique practice means you get timely responses and personalized attention throughout your journey.
If this resonates, I’d love to meet with you and your partner for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss what working together could look like.
Common areas I help premarital couples with
Breaking anxious relationship patterns: Learning to manage anxiety around commitment, vulnerability, or fear of losing yourself in the relationship
Navigating family expectations and boundaries: Addressing pressure from families about wedding planning, cultural traditions, or how you'll structure your marriage
Establishing healthy communication patterns: Moving beyond surface-level conversations to truly understand each other's needs, fears, and dreams
Understanding attachment styles: Recognizing how your attachment patterns show up in conflict and learning to create a secure connection
Addressing perfectionism and "not good enough" fears: Challenging the belief that you need to be perfect partners or have a healthy relationship
Processing past relationship trauma: Healing wounds from previous relationships so they don't follow you into marriage
Building conflict resolution skills: Creating a framework for navigating disagreements without shutting down, attacking, or avoiding
Aligning on values and life goals: Getting clear on what matters most to both of you—from finances and career to family planning and personal growth
What to expect from the therapy process
Step 1: Free consultation
We'll start with a free, no-pressure call where you can share what's bringing you to premarital counseling and ask any questions. This helps us determine if we're a good fit and whether my approach aligns with what you're looking for in this important preparation.
Step 2: Initial assessment & goal-setting
In our first few sessions, we'll explore your relationship history, attachment patterns, and what you hope to gain from counseling. I'll get to know both of you individually as well as a couple so we can create a roadmap that feels meaningful and relevant to your unique relationship.
Step 3: Skill-building & deeper exploration
We'll work on communication tools, conflict resolution strategies, and understanding each other's emotional needs. We'll also explore how your backgrounds, families, and past experiences shape your relationship. From here, we’ll create awareness that strengthens your connection and helps you navigate challenges with compassion.
Step 4: Preparing for your future together
As we wrap up, we'll review the skills you've built and create a plan for maintaining connection after counseling ends. You'll leave with tools you can use throughout your marriage and clarity about how to support each other through life's inevitable ups and downs.
FAQs about premarital counseling
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The best time to start is when you're engaged or seriously considering marriage, ideally several months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to work through important topics without the stress of last-minute wedding planning. That said, it's never too early (or too late) to invest in your relationship.
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Research shows that couples who complete premarital counseling report higher levels of satisfaction in their marriage compared to those who don't. Beyond statistics, premarital counseling gives you communication tools, a deeper understanding of each other, and strategies for navigating conflict, all of which create stronger, more satisfying relationships over time.
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Absolutely not. Seeking premarital counseling shows a serious commitment to the health and happiness of your relationships. And it’s not just about fixing problems; together, you’ll build skills, deepen your understanding of each other, and create a strong foundation before challenges arise. The most successful couples are the ones who invest in their relationship early and approach marriage with intention.
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Generally, we'll explore themes like communication, conflict, attachment styles, boundaries with families, financial values, life goals, intimacy expectations, and how your backgrounds shape your relationship. However, premarital counseling with me does not follow a rigid curriculum—we tailor the process to what matters most to you and your partner.
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No, most insurance plans do not cover premarital counseling because it's considered preventative or educational rather than treatment for a mental health condition. However, I encourage you to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage. I can provide a superbill that you may be able to submit to your provider for partial reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.